(Photo courtesy of PNA)
The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty and maritime interests in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), regardless of future changes in government leadership.
Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said the military branch would continue fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities despite possible shifts in the country’s political leadership.
“The PN remains steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional mandate to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime interests, particularly in the WPS. Regardless of changes in administration, the Navy’s commitment to national defense, maritime security, and the protection of our maritime domain remains paramount,” Martinez said in a statement to the Philippine News Agency.
Martinez said the Navy would sustain maritime operations, strengthen its defense capabilities and expand cooperation with international partners to protect Philippine waters.
“These also include strengthened partnerships with like-minded nations to promote a rules-based international order,” she added.
The Navy’s assurance comes amid continuing tensions between Manila and Beijing over competing maritime claims in the South China Sea.
Group warns against economic dependence
Meanwhile, civil society organization Democracy Watch urged the government to strengthen the domestic economy while maintaining its position on Philippine sovereignty amid tensions with China.
Democracy Watch co-convenor Lloyd Zaragoza said the Philippines should pursue economic opportunities without compromising its territorial and maritime interests.
His statement followed an appeal by 22 business and sectoral organizations, led by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, calling on Manila and Beijing to ease diplomatic tensions.
The business groups warned that a prolonged diplomatic dispute could have serious economic consequences for the Philippines.
Zaragoza, however, maintained that economic cooperation and national sovereignty should not be treated as competing priorities.
“The Philippines should pursue economic partnerships that strengthen our national capacity, not create dependencies that compromise our democratic independence,” he said.
He emphasized that foreign investments and trade relationships should contribute to economic resilience rather than increase the country’s vulnerability to external pressure.
“Our sovereignty and democratic institutions must never become bargaining chips in our pursuit of economic opportunities,” Zaragoza added.
The latest diplomatic tensions followed remarks by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan in October, when he claimed China could “easily win” a military confrontation with the Philippines but preferred resolving disputes peacefully.
His comments prompted a sharp exchange of statements between Manila and Beijing.
Zaragoza said meaningful economic partnerships should generate investments, employment and opportunities for Filipinos without limiting the government’s ability to make independent policy decisions.
“Economic dependence can become a vulnerability to our democracy. When our economy is overly reliant on external markets and supply chains, our ability to make independent policy decisions and stand firm on matters of national interest can be constrained by economic pressures,” Zaragoza said.
He urged policymakers to prioritize economic resilience and diversified international partnerships while continuing to defend the country’s sovereign rights and national interests.
